ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu says his administration is committed to judicial independence and institutional reforms, noting that the welfare of judicial officers is a strategic investment in the rule of law.
Tinubu spoke in Abuja on Tuesday at the inauguration of the 10-unit Court of Appeal judges’ quarters in the Katampe district, Abuja. Represented by Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the president said the housing estate formed part of a series of judicial infrastructure projects being inaugurated to mark the third anniversary of his administration.
“We gather on this important occasion for the commissioning of the 10th Court of Appeal Judges’ Quarters here in Katampe,” Tinubu said. “This event is part of a series of judicial infrastructure projects being commissioned over a three-week period to commemorate the third anniversary of this administration.”
The president noted that the project is a special intervention by the federal government, separate from the judiciary’s statutory budgetary allocations, which he said had also increased significantly under his administration. He emphasised that a functional justice system requires more than sound laws and competent judicial officers.
“Today’s event is much more than the unveiling of physical infrastructure; it is a tangible demonstration of the federal government’s enduring commitment to the welfare, independence, efficiency and dignity of the judiciary,” Tinubu stated. “A strong and effective justice sector requires not only sound laws and competent judicial officers but also the infrastructure and support systems necessary to enable the judiciary to perform its constitutional responsibilities without hindrance.”
Tinubu added that the provision of modern residential accommodation for judges is aimed at enhancing judicial independence, efficiency and service delivery. “The welfare of judicial officers is a strategic investment in the rule of law. When judges are provided with secure accommodation and conducive working environments, the entire nation benefits,” he said.
The president also disclosed plans for further expansion of judicial infrastructure within the district, revealing that additional land had been earmarked for judges of the National Industrial Court, the Code of Conduct Bureau, the Federal High Court and the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. “With all these developments, this area could easily be declared the ‘judiciary boulevard’,” he said.
Tinubu commended Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, for executing the project efficiently. “I wish to commend my dependable, hard-working and diligent minister of the FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike, CON, and his team for the efficiency with which this directive was implemented,” he said.
The president further challenged state governments to emulate the federal government by investing in judicial infrastructure and welfare. “The responsibility of supporting the judiciary does not rest solely with the federal government. State governments have a corresponding obligation to ensure their respective judicial sectors are adequately funded, properly equipped and provided with the infrastructure necessary for effective service delivery,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, the FCT minister urged governors to take greater responsibility in the development of federal judicial institutions in their jurisdictions. Wike argued that federal judicial institutions in states primarily serve the residents of those host states. “Governors, I say this: if there is a federal judicial division in a state, that governor knows those courts are serving their own citizens,” Wike said. “The federal high court, the court of appeal, and the national industrial court do not render services to neighbouring states; they serve the host state.”
The president’s remarks come amid growing calls for improved welfare for judicial officers across Nigeria. Magistrates have recently raised concerns over poor remuneration and working conditions, describing their salaries as insufficient to meet the demands of their duties. Calls have also been made for the rehabilitation of judges’ quarters and courtrooms to improve the administration of justice.
The 10-unit Court of Appeal judges’ quarters in Katampe is part of a broader effort to address these concerns and ensure that judicial officers have the security and support necessary to perform their constitutional duties. As Tinubu noted, investing in judicial welfare is ultimately an investment in the rule of law and the stability of Nigeria’s democracy.
